Edzna Archaeological Zone

About

Edzná was first settled around 400 BC, though it didn’t develop into a major city until the 3rd century AD. Despite being inhabited up until 1500, the reasons for its decline and abandonment remain a mystery. The impressive heart of the city is the group of religious builds at its center, dominated by a large pyramid. Known as “The Sun Point”, Edzna’s 5-tier pyramid is decorated with glyphs and stucco on every step, and topped with a temple that provides a view of the whole city. Next to this is the Small Acropolis, which stands only 8 meters high and is topped with three buildings. The acropoles overlook the Temple of the Masks, which is named for the two small masks depicting the Sunrise God and Sunset God on the east and west corners of its foundation. Across from the acropolis is the imposing, 135-meter-long palace, which still has four large rooms standing atop its monumental staircase.